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Friday, July 27, 2012

Antique Silhouettes

Silhouettes are so interesting. They can be a scene or just a side portrait, what ever they are, they have fascinated us and been a favorite decorating choice for years. Silhouettes first became popular around the 15th century for the aristocracy, usually made into jewelry. Carrying a likeness of a loved one on a locket around your neck was all the rage. Finally more and more artists were finding ways to create an affordable silhouette, By 1700- 1800 they were being done for the masses by painting on glass and by cutting them from paper.

Silhouettes painted on glass in reverse were very favored during the end of the last century and the early part of this one. This is one that my mother had forever and I always loved the beautiful lady. Reminded me of a great Southern Belle out for a stroll.

The back is interesting and tells you all about the picture. It is called Glad Tidings. It was to be paired with the Missive, however my mother didn't have that one. It was patented in 1933 and this is # 2020 series.

I was curious about "The Missive" and found this image on ebay. I don't think it is nearly as lovely as the one my mom had, so I can understand why she didn't buy it. These were both being offered for $24.99. Not at all expensive, but they are fun to see.

Then there was the art of cutting silhouettes out of paper. This is me, signed and dated 1950 by the artist. I remember we were in Woolworth in downtown Ft. Worth and a man had a small chair and easel set up. It had been raining, so I had on a scarf. My mom had a silhouette of both my sister and I done.

I am trying hard not to clutter things up in the guest room. However I really wanted to hang these two up.

I put them on either side of the bed warmer in this corner.

Silhouettes have also been fabulous needlework projects for years too.

These are cross stitch of George and Martha that I did many, many years ago.

I see a lot of you doing silhouettes of your children and adding them to a collage. Love that look. A fabulous way to capture them throughout their life. Little faces to adult and all the changes in between.

HI MARTY!!!I too LOVE silhouette's!!!My daughter has the kids done everytime we go to Disneyworld!!!The Park SPCOT in France land...those french students who go there to work are mighty good with those tiny scissors!!!I love how my daughter displays them too.....I will have to snap a pic and show you some time!!!!I LOVE your silhouette....so awesome to remember all the details of that day!!!!Love all of yours!!hugs,jamie

Marty -- I am so thrilled with the current popularity of silhouettes -- I am especially in awe of the artform scherenschnitte. I've always enjoyed cutting paper and would someday LOVE to learn from someone who knows what they are doing, lol. You are very blessed to have these pieces that were your mothers. You've displayed them beautifully. Also really liking your stitched sils :)

I have always had a fondness for silhouettes! I inherited a set of small pictures that are silhouettes of a boy sailing a sailboat and of windmills. These are about 3x5 and are of wood so when you hang them, the background is the color of your wall. I also recently had a silhouette cut of my granddaughter at age 1. Yours are so nice!

Yes Marty!! They are all around! I love all the ones you have! I wish I've done one for my kids when they were little! Now days they are the ones who don't like them!! You have so many treasures on the corner of that room!

Marty,Your silouettes in cross stitch are exquisite! I adore the one of you with your scarf! What precious treasures! Paired with the one of your mother's makes a stunning statement in your guest room!!! Fondly,Pat

I love your silhouettes Marty! Your guest room is gorgeous as all your rooms are! Your decor is so stylish and you have such a talent for decorating. I visit you at your every post, just to see what beautiful things you have done.

I love them. Have always wanted to collect them. Like I need another collection. Don't you think the ones cut from paper are amazing? Can you imagine the difficulty. Thanks for sharing and the cool info on them.

About Me

Hi, I'm Marty. Welcome - Moving back closer to family finds us transforming our "Builder Basic" into a home that reflects our lifestyle. Careful planning, tons of DIY and a sharp eye for design can turn any house into your dream even if you have a small budget. I share it all, the successes and failures. We love to entertain so you'll find a few tried and true recipes and entertaining ideas too.